Laois County Council - Leisure & Culture

Brian Farrell selected for Irish Street Soccer International team

After the success of the Portlaoise Street Soccer League which was run at Portlaoise Leisure Centre last summer, Brian Farrell a current member of the Portlaoise Celtic team has been selected to represent Ireland in the upcoming Street Soccer World Cup in Brazil. The Portlaoise Street soccer league was set up under the guidance of the Street Leagues Ireland supported by Laois County Council, Laois Partnership, Laois Sports Partnership and the FAI to provide soccer activities for indivduals currently out of work. Two teams were chosen to represent Laois in the All Ireland finals of the Street Leagues which were held in Clondalkin, Dublin. From that two Portlaoise players were selected to go on trial. Brian was chosen from over 500 men nationwide on the final panel of eight players to compete in the World Cup which will be held on Copacabana Beach in Rio Brazil. Brian son of Paddy and Ann Farrell from Abbeycourt Portlaoise has been playing football since he was 7, starting his footballing career with Portlaoise AFC under 10 up to senior level, he had one season in the Eircom League with Mullingar Athletic under 21 and has been with Portlaoise Celtic for the last 3 years. Brian took part in the Portlaoise Street league with his club team mates and won the league in the final decider against close rivals Portlaoise AFC. Brian got a taste of International success on the day as they played the 2009 Irish World Cup team in a friendly after the final. Brian is continuing training weekly with his Irish team at St.Catherines Community Sports Complex in Dublin before he heads off to Rio for the tournament which runs from the 19th to the 26th of Septemeber. Laois County Council Sports Section would like to wish Brian the best of luck with his preperation.